Newtown Arts Festival September 21 - 22 at Fairfield Hills

Don't miss this annual celebration of the arts! The weekend event features music, food trucks, a host of vendors, and activities!

Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday Night “Merchants of Rhythm” 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m

Saturday Night “Evening of the Arts” 6:00 p.m-10:00 p.m

Daytime Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 6 – 12, children under age 5 are free.

Cash and Debit/Credit Cards Accepted

The Newtown Cultural Arts Commission established the Newtown Arts Festival to promote and support local arts and the community through arts-inspired entertainment, education, exhibits, and sales. The festival showcases all forms of creative expression, such as visual arts, dance, music, the written word, and theater in the setting of a town-wide celebration. Proceeds will support grants and scholarships for local artists and arts organizations, future festivals, and other work of the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.

On October 3, 2019, the 11th Annual Drink Pink for a cause will take place at The Lounsbury House in Ridgefield. This event supports Ann’s Place while putting a spotlight on local breast cancer survivors.

The photo you see here is one of Kristen Jensen’s “Courageous Faces”. This and many other photos of cancer survivors, and those in the midst of treatment will blanket the walls of the Lounsbury House telling a story of life, struggle, friendship, and hope.

Here, we couple the many Courageous Faces with their unique stories. We thank each and every one of these ladies for sharing their journey with us.

Meet Drink Pink model and Courageous Face, Samantha Eagle

When and how did you first learn you had breast cancer?

I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in March 2016. After being told by my GP “not to worry” about the pea-sized lump I found in my right breast, I did just that. However, that lump became more and more painful and grew to the size of a large grape in just three months. I became increasingly worried! I sought out a second opinion and was scheduled immediately for a mammogram and the evidence was clear as day, I had cancer. The mammogram I had the previous year revealed nothing--this was a fast-growing and aggressive cancer. The usual procedures ensued and ultimately my biopsy informed them that I had a fairly rare form of Breast Cancer--TNBC; a cancer that is difficult to treat and to survive.

Who did you turn to for support and how was that person or organization supportive?

I was awestruck at the support network that stepped up to help me get through my treatment. So many friends and family were there for me--plus acquaintances and even strangers! My cousin works in the healthcare industry and helped guide me to find the right doctor and treatment for this type of cancer. I will be forever grateful to him. My husband was my rock-- it’s not an easy thing to watch your loved one go through this and he kept me grounded through it all. My doctors and nurses at the Greenwich Blenheim Cancer Center were fantastic. Also, close friends set up a meal train for the worst days of my chemo and I was truly astounded that so many people joined this group to help not just me, but my family as well. And of course there was Ann’s Place--my Oncologist suggested I go look around. How lucky I was to have access to such a beautiful facility just up the road with so much to offer! I could go for everything from free counseling and group support to private Reiki sessions and meditation classes.

Tell me about something someone said or did that helped you through your most difficult days

I’m not sure there is anyone person or thing that I could pick out of the generous and thoughtful support I received. The best advice I got came just after I was diagnosed when I confided with one of my kid’s coaches and he told me that he is a fellow survivor as well. He advised me not to hide my diagnosis, as he had done, and to accept help. He said, “Don’t try to get through it alone--people want to help you”. He was so right--it would have been so difficult to get through this alone--both mentally and physically.

I received so many kind notes and calls that made me smile and kept me positive through the hardest days. One friend gave me a cute little hand knit bunny infused with lavender to help me relax. Another gave me a silver bracelet stamped with an inspirational quote. I received healing crystals, flowers, a cooler filled with special treats. As I mentioned before, I was stunned by the amount of caring and support that came from so many people around me.

Lastly, I would often think about what I had learned from yoga; “everything is temporary”. Knowing this, and realizing if I could stay positive through the hardest moments, I knew I could get through my treatment and beat this disease. I often used yoga meditation and breathing techniques during those many sleepless nights and uncomfortable days.

Tell me about your photoshoot with Kristen and beauty day at Adam Broderick

In 2018, a friend of mine told me about Kristen Jensen’s Photo exhibit and suggested that I be a model for the “Drink Pink” event. Honestly, the thought made me uncomfortable, as I was still recovering from five months of chemo and several surgeries. I just didn’t feel myself; my hair was still growing back and I was trying to get back into the shape I had been before cancer. I think I was still trying to digest everything that I had just been through.

Fortunately, my friend Alex Fischetti invited me to attend the Drink Pink event that year and I got to see just how amazing it is. So many brave women sharing and supporting each other and celebrating life! The following year, he gave my name to Kristen and I was thrilled to have been asked again. This time I was ready - ready to show others that we can beat this disease and come out the other side stronger and better than before! It was my turn to support people with the care and assistance they need to get through all stages of cancer! I am so humbled and grateful to be included in this group of amazing survivors.

It was a treat to get all done up for the photoshoot! I felt so spoiled having my hair and a make-over done at Adam Broderick. They worked their magic and I was refreshed and eager (albeit a bit nervous) for my first photoshoot. Kristen Jensen and her mom made me feel so comfortable and took me through the process with ease and professionalism. By the end of the day, I felt like a Supermodel must feel. When I received the proofs the following week I was both impressed and amazed--her photos are beautiful.

What message do you have for others who have been diagnosed with breast cancer?

The human body is amazing--it can withstand, fight and heal from incredible amounts of trauma. We live in a time where science and medicine are so advanced that you can win this fight. Stay positive, try to laugh every day and be brave. Know that this is a time to be strong and don’t give up-- it is just a moment of discomfort to get through in the grand scheme of life. You can do this!

Drink Pink for a cause will take place at The Lounsbury House, located at 316 Main Street in Ridgefield on October 3 from 6 to 8pm. Learn more about Ann’s Place here.

Support the 2019 Drink Pink models and Ann’s Place by making a donation HERE.

Rockapella at Edmond Town Hall

They’ve become one of the world’s most sophisticated, lasting, and imitated vocal groups around today. As one of the originators of the astonishing full band sound of “contemporary” a cappella, Rockapella has shown every audience the raw power of pure vocal talent and originality. Touring worldwide with no instruments – just their voices! Doors open 1 hour before show.

]]>kerry@ducey.org (Edmond Town Hall)EventsThu, 12 Sep 2019 07:57:00 -0400Two Newtown High School Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalistshttps://news.hamlethub.com/newtown/neighbors/45251-twelve-ridgefield-high-school-students-named-national-merit-scholarship-semifinalists45251-twelve-ridgefield-high-school-students-named-national-merit-scholarship-semifinalists
https://news.hamlethub.com/newtown/neighbors/45251-twelve-ridgefield-high-school-students-named-national-merit-scholarship-semifinalists45251-twelve-ridgefield-high-school-students-named-national-merit-scholarship-semifinalists

Newtown High School Students Named Semifinalists in the 65th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program

Today, officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Among the awardees were two Newtown High School students! Congratulations to Sophia Guizzo and Jake Pare!

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. Over 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.

According to the National Merit Scholarship Program, over 1.5 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2018 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

From the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists.

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2020 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join more than 345,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.

Enrollment for the Class of 2024 is now open at Immaculate High School. Newly ranked in the top third of all high schools in the State of Connecticut by NICHE, Immaculate High School is also among the highest ranked Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport and continues to attain the highest SAT scores in the Diocese.

One of the more affordable private high schools, Immaculate High School encourages students to find success in academics, athletics, fine arts and clubs. The Class of 2019 had 100% who applied to colleges and universities and were awarded college scholarships and grants totaling $27 million. The top ten percent of students achieved a SAT score average of 1424 and nearly three-quarters of the class earned an average GPA of 3.5 or higher. Graduates have been accepted to colleges and universities such as Baylor University, Boston College, Columbia University, Drexel University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Notre Dame University, Penn State, Pepperdine University, Quinnipiac University, The Citadel, University of California, University of Connecticut, Wesleyan University and more.

IHS students, a representation of area public, private and Catholic schools, seek academic challenges, discover leadership and engage in progressive learning opportunities. Students have been honored by the Danbury Exchange Club, the Danbury Rotary Club, the Danbury-New Fairfield Women’s Club, the Diocese of Bridgeport and more for their service and academic achievements. Student-athletes received numerous individual athletic SWC, CIAC and All American sportsmanship recognitions and the girls field hockey team, girls cross country team, boys cross country team and boys golf team won SWC and/or State Championships in 2018-19. Students were honored with academic, music and art awards, including commendations from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, Connecticut High School Fine Arts Awards, Halo Theater Awards and more. Other students were part of the Brave Engineers Team and Mock Trial teams that won major competitions. Students also perform community service, learn Catholic traditions and grow their faith.

Go to www.immaclatehs.org/apply to start your application and register for upcoming admissions, shadow visits, placement testing and an Open House scheduled for Sunday, September 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate High School.

The annual Business Women’s Forum (BWF) will be held October 29th and will welcome keynote speaker Stacy London, one of America’s foremost fashion experts, author, host of TLC’ hugely popular show, “What Not to Wear”, host of “Love Lust or Run”, plus style contributor to ABC-TV’ ”The View” and Rachael Ray’s syndicated talk show, “Rachael”.

The Business Women’s Forum is Connecticut’s largest and longest-running, full-day statewide conference and is celebrating its 37th year. Under the theme “Design Your Success”, the 2019 BWF is anticipated to attract more than 600 attendees from across New England. The BWF will be held Tuesday, October 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will offer a full day of dynamic networking, educational workshops, breakfast, lunch and a closing reception with prizes at the Aqua Turf Club at 556 Mulberry Street in Plantsville, Connecticut. The thriving nonprofit organization is led by female executives dedicated to the professional and personal growth of working women.

The 2019 BWF will also feature motivational speaker Connie Podesta, Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker, award-winning author of seven books, actress, therapist, comedienne, former radio/TV personality, and an expert in the psychology of human behavior as it relates to sales, leadership, and personal/professional development.

“The mission of the Business Women’s Forum,” explained Lynn Ward, a BWF director and president and CEO of the Waterbury Regional Chamber, “is to raise funds for scholarships for female Post University students to pursue degrees in business. The BWF’s continual commitment is to the equality of opportunity and advancement for women in business. During the past 36 years, the BWF has raised more than $200,000 toward those scholarships.”

Stacy London, the author of “Dress Your Best”, which concentrated on style by body type, received stellar reviews. Her second book, “The Truth About Style”, became a “New York Times” bestseller, and is both a memoir and style guide. Stacy appears on numerous national talk and news shows and has been an expert contributor to countless magazines and newspapers nationwide. Between 2005 and 2010, she joined NBC-TV’s “The Today Show” as a style correspondent, and has regularly appeared on “Access Hollywood” and “Access Live!”.

Stacy sits on the national boards of the non-profits I AM THAT GIRL and The Jed Foundation, and on advisory boards of The Li.st and Stylinity. She contributes her time to such charities as Step Up!, the American Cancer Society, and many animal charities. She speaks at events including ones for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Oprah University (O You!), Harvard University, Mount Sinai and the 92nd Street Y, and has numerous prominent endorsements with brands that include Hanes, Pantene, Dr. Scholl’s, Woolite, Lee Jeans, and Westfield Malls.

The 2019 BWF motivational speaker Connie Podesta background in comedy, theater, radio, and TV offers a fiery personality, comedic wit, and unforgettable delivery style. Combined with her on-target content, Connie is a rare blend of substance and style. An expert in the psychology of human behavior. Connie is the go-to person when it comes to digging deep into what makes people do what they do and say what they say. Her intuitive understanding of people empowers audiences to ACT vs. react to even the most difficult of people and situations.

President and founder of Connie Podesta Presents, LLC for 25 years, Connie helps visionary organizations defy conventional thinking and challenge the status quo so they can rethink “business as usual.” Her first-hand experience in human resources, human relations, staff development, and training give her an edge for taking organizations to higher levels of success. Connie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech, Communications and Business, a Master’s Degree in Human Relations and Counseling and was a Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for more than 25 years. For 30 years she has worked with more than 1,000 leading organizations worldwide, Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and associations. Her experience is wide and her impact is consistently top-notch.

Our BWF Board of Directors believes attendees will truly benefit from the highly-informative and exciting day of dynamic and accomplished speakers, professional business trainers as workshop leaders, networking opportunities and a very exciting closing reception that features bountiful hors-d’oeuvres, beverages, and many prizes including a notable grand prize vacation travel package.”

The 2019 BWF offers several admission packages ranging from $150 for the lunch only to $2,500 for a table of 10. Most entry costs include the keynote and motivational presentations, workshops, day-long networking, breakfast, lunch, and a closing reception.

To learn more about the 2019 BWF price ranges, to register, or become a sponsor, visit www.2019bwf.com, or call the Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce Foundation at 203-757-0701.

The Ridgefield Playhouse welcomes Kristin Chenoweth to Fall Gala on Saturday, September 28

Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth’s career spans film, television, voiceover and stage. In 2015, Chenoweth received a coveted star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2009, she received an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “Pushing Daisies.” In 1999, she won a Tony Award for “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” and she was also nominated for her original role of Glinda the Good Witch in “Wicked” in 2004. Chenoweth has been nominated for two Emmy Awards and for a People’s Choice Award for her role on “Glee.”

In 2009, she wrote an upliftingly candid, comedic chronicle of her life so far, “A Little Bit Wicked,” which debuted on the New York Times Hardcover Non-Fiction Best Seller List. Chenoweth will star alongside Scott Wolf in the holiday film “The Christmas Song,” which is slated to debut on Hallmark Channel in November 2019 and the film “Holidate” which will premiere on Netflix in 2020. Chenoweth will star as “Madeline” in the upcoming musical comedy “Death Becomes Her,” an adaptation of the 1992 film directed by Robert Zemeckis. Chenoweth has released multiple albums, most recently The Art of Elegance, and has performed to sold-out audiences across the world.

Whip Salon GIVEAWAY ALERT! Want to win a Blowout 3-Pack for you and two friends?

The rules: visit our Instagram @whipsalon and LIKE our post (the post is with the photo you see here), TAG two friends you’d like to split the pack with (and let us know which location you’d like to visit for the appointment), and make sure ALL THREE of you are following @whipsalon (we’ll be checking!).

We’ll be giving away one 3-pack for EACH location and announcing the winners LIVE on Instagram this Saturday, so stay tuned on our Instagram for details!

Whip Salon is bringing back the Blowout 3-Pack for a limited time only! The packs are available for purchase at any location or on our website at www.whipsalon.com. The packs never expire, are shareable amongst friends & family, and make great gifts!

Congressman Jim Himes opportunities for students

Service Academy

The United States Service Academy’s purpose is to educate and train future commissioned officers for the United States Armed Forces. If accepted, you will get free tuition, including room and board, specialized training and a commission to the service branch of your academy.

There are five U.S. Service Academies: the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Should you be interested in applying, check out my website and learn more about this great opportunity. Nominations must be submitted before Friday, October 4, 2019. If you have questions about the nomination process or submitting your application, please call my Service Academy Coordinator, Joshua Rodriguez, at 203-333-6600.

2020 Congressional Art Competition

Next year’s 2020 Congressional Art Competition will begin in March 2020 and will conclude in May 2020. As students move through this year in school, they should keep in mind artistic pieces they might want to submit in the Competition. The first place winning artist’s work is displayed at the United States Capitol for one year alongside other winning artwork from other congressional districts across the country. The other winning artwork pieces and honorable mentions from my district are displayed for one year in my Washington D.C. and Bridgeport offices.

The 2019 Congressional App Challenge is currently open and accepting software applications through Friday, November 1, 2019. This competition is designed to engage students’ creativity and encourage participation in computer science and coding. The Challenge is open to middle and high school students who will compete within their congressional district by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet or computer devices.

To enter, middle and high school students must register on the App Challenge’s website. All entries must be original in concept, design and execution.

All interested students are encouraged to register by the early registration date, September 10, and the final submission deadline is November 1.

Spring Internship Opportunities

My office has open internships in my district offices in Bridgeport and Stamford and in my D.C. office for the Spring of 2020. These internships provide excellent professional opportunities and valuable insight into the operations of a congressional office. Interns cultivate a strong workplace skillset by undertaking a variety of administrative and legislative responsibilities in the offices.

The spring internship program is open to all high-school and college-level students. The district-based internship application deadline is November 17. Interns will start in the Stamford or Bridgeport office in January and the internship will end in mid-May.

Please read more about the internship program, application materials and application process here on my website.

As you can see, my office has many opportunities available for high school and college students over the next year.

I look forward to seeing all of your applications to these happenings this Congress.

In June of this year, the Newtown Police Detective Unit, initiated an investigation into a complaint of approximately $50,000 worth of artwork that had been stolen from a residence on Currituck Road, while the homeowners were out of town.

As a result of the investigation both Brooke Vazzano, age 27, of Danbury and Cody Delmedico, age 26, also of Danbury were arrested after turning themselves in, earlier this morning, on outstanding arrest warrants.

Both Vazzano and Delmedio were each charged with Burglary Third Degree and Larceny First Degree. Both were released after posting $50,000 bonds.

Detectives were able to identify the suspects as being related to the pet sitter and used the access the pet sitter had including the keys and alarm code to gain entry into the residence where the artwork was stolen. Most of the artwork has been recovered.

"The detectives did an outstanding job putting this case together including working with the victim to recover the stolen artwork and to obtain confessions from the suspects," says Lt. Aaron Bahamonde

On October 3, 2019, the 11th Annual Drink Pink for a cause will take place at The Lounsbury House in Ridgefield. This event supports Ann’s Place while putting a spotlight on local breast cancer survivors.

The photo you see here is one of Kristen Jensen’s “Courageous Faces”. This and many other photos of cancer survivors, and those in the midst of treatment will blanket the walls of the Lounsbury House telling a story of life, struggle, friendship, and hope.

Here, we couple the many Courageous Faces with their unique stories. We thank each and every one of these ladies for sharing their journey with us.

Meet Drink Pink model and Courageous Face, Nancy Shail

Tell me about your photoshoot with Kristen Jensen and your day of beauty at adam broderick salon & spa

Kristen was wonderful, she was very calm. She also gave an abundance of ideas with regard to selecting an outfit that would best fit my character. I am not a “picture person”, but Kristen came through and brought out the BEST in me. Adam Broderick's staff is over the top. The make-up and hair were so natural looking! They also helped me put on my necklace and earrings, this means a lot since i still have signs of neuropathy from chemo.

When and how did you first learn you had breast cancer?

I found a lump during my ‘at home’, breast exam which was only 6 months after my yearly doctor’s exam. After conducting my tests, I got the news on my 65th birthday, April 4th, 2013. The type of diagnosis was ‘HER2’ Positive breast cancer, in which I was advised; was very aggressive. After finding a surgeon and oncologist along with a hospital, I began the ‘battle of my life’.

Who did you turn to for support and how was that person or organization supportive?

I told my doctors, family, and friends that I had so many things I still wanted to accomplish in life, and I was sure this was not going to stop me! My family, as well as the doctors and nurses were there for me always - and so was Ann’s Place. The first time I walked into Ann’s place a calming peace, overwhelmed my soul… I knew it would be ok. The breast cancer group I was in was spot on. Everyone had a different story but the same feelings, even Tammy, our group leader (a breast cancer survivor). We laughed, cried, told stories and prayed all as a solid unity. I obtained so much strength being a part of this team.

Tell me about something someone said or did that helped you through your most difficult days

I would get cards or funny phone calls from friends - singing on my answering machine! On one of my ‘chemo’ days, it was the 1st day of school. I wasn’t there to see my fellow teachers; my friends, new and old students, along with the parents…I was crushed. After being home, there was a delivery from Landmark Preschool in Redding CT; attached was a lovely note.

What message do you have for others who have been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Stay positive and laugh, even if you don’t look the same, feel the same and can’t do the things that used to be so easy to accomplish. Be a WINNER. Have the courage to STAY STRONG.

Drink Pink for a cause will take place at The Lounsbury House, located at 316 Main Street in Ridgefield on October 3 from 6 to 8pm. Learn more about Ann’s Place here.

Support the 2019 Drink Pink models and Ann’s Place by making a donation HERE.